Gomberg targets sky lanterns

LINCOLN CITY — Following an article in Friday’s News-Times about the fire hazards posed by sky lanterns, state Rep. David Gomberg said he would try to ground them.

“I first encountered these devices in Thailand about 20 years ago,” said Gomberg, who manufactures and sells kites. “And while beautiful, I was astounded at the potential danger of lofting open flames over villages and the jungle.”

A centuries-old idea that originated in China as part of festivities and religious ceremonies, sky lanterns only recently took off in the United States to the alarm of fire marshals around the country.